After taking my hypnosis seminar, back in the late 80's, I put that tool to work...and occasionally turned that focused relaxation back on myself. However, I suppose there is enough misinformation bruited about that I should lapse into educator mode for a paragraph or two.
Hypnosis: A Primer.
What hypnosis is not:
- --mind control or weakening of the will
- --making someone act like a chicken--well, unless they're on stage and that's what they want to do
- --sleep
- --magic.
What hypnosis is:
- --a powerful tool that, like any other mere tool, helps you to do a job that needs to be done
- --a deep relaxation into that pleasant state we would usually call a daydream. In this daydreamy state, the mind is much more open to suggestion...and THAT is what hypnosis is all about--my planting reasonable suggestions--emphasis on both the acceptableness of the ideas, and on the fact that I never give commands, only offer suggestions.
- --again, it's a tool. Hypnosis serves to distract that criticizing/nagging little voice that makes you doubt yourself, question your capacities, or raise objections when what you really need is motivation.
Is hypnosis a tool for everybody and a solution for everything? Well, would your kitchen be complete with the one and only implement being a meat cleaver? Would your toolbox be adequate if your only tools were a pair of vice grips and a 1/2" crescent wrench?
Okay, that's a long intro to...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Lapsing into a daydreaming state, the rain has lulled my consciousness into a quiet unreality, or hyper-reality. It's as if my mind has wandered off across the bay, over the waves and between the raindrops, floating like a ghost in a cartoon. Yet, I am not unconscious or unaware. I can steer myself toward a pirate-story, or I can wander along the far shore playing junior naturalist poking in tidal pools and amongst the shrubs, or treading on the forest duff seeking buried treasure.
Okay, so, I'm daydreaming. Am I asleep? Clearly not. Might I appear asleep if I'm between thoughts and not typing as I am right now with my eyes closed? (Yes, I touch-type...thanks Mom! Yes, I did come back and edit my mistakes--you're welcome, Miss Burkill and Mr. Pavini!)
My point is--daydreams can be harnessed, but the driver of the daydreams needs a very light touch on the reins and should let the beast pretty much follow its own nose--wonderful new adventures may unfold, new horizons open, and you might take a turn off the main road you'd have never taken and now are delighted that you did. Follow that creative muse...I suspect that many creative sorts get themselves into this hypnotic trance and truly free up their knows-no-bounds imagination!
